Following an international cricket career from 1985-1992 where he represented his country in 10 Tests and 28 ODIs as a right-arm leg-spinner, Asoka de Silva quickly emerged as Sri Lanka's best-regarded cricket umpire. After he retired from first-class cricket in 1996/97 De Silva became a fully qualified coach before turning his attention to umpiring. He made his international debut at Galle against Pakistan in 1999/00 and was on the ICC's Elite Umpires Panel for a brief period of time before being relegated in early 2004. He however remains a member of the ICC International Umpires Panel and is often appointed to matches to support the Elite panel during busy periods in the international cricket season. Has umpired in two Cricket World Cups in 2003 and 2007. Sa'adi Thawfeeq February 2008